Hulkenberg rejects McLaren, sees Haas as Renault's main threat

40

Nico Hulkenberg says the team he sees as Renault's main threat for the honorary title of 'best of the rest' this season is Haas, discarding challenges from McLaren or Force India.

As the Formula 1 season reaches its half-way mark, Renault appears to have a firm grip on the mid-field, leading Haas by 19 points in the Constructors' standings, with Force India and McLaren right behind.

Looking ahead however, Hulkenberg sees Haas' recent form as a reason to be wary of the US outfit.

“It looks like it now, since the last couple of weekends," said the German driver when asked by Crash.net about Haas' threat.

"I think its shifted around with Haas coming through more and McLaren seem to have lost out a little bit. We take them seriously because they are fast."

Renault's Abiteboul: 'No sense in hiring Alonso for just one year'

Haas' Ferrari-powered VF-18 chassis has demonstrated its speed in the hands of Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean, but bad luck coupled with a several mishaps - mainly initiated by the French driver - have deprived the team of precious points.

"How they got there doesn’t really play a role for me, they are strong at the moment and we just have to deal with it," added Hulkenberg.

"They fulfilled their potential [in Austria], whereas before they’ve really missed out.

"The momentum sometimes swings around, but at the end of the day they have a strong car and a good package."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.